Connecting the Dots: Abramoff and Rove

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/nataffdaily/story/9130607?rnd=1136856024260&has-player=unknown

Did you know that Jack Abramoff and Karl Rove shared an executive assistant?

In 2001, Karl Rove needed a Gal Friday, someone to help oversee the "strategic planning, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs efforts of the White House."

He chose Susan Ralston, who came highly recommended from a friend: Jack Abramoff. Ralston performed similar duties for the Don of K Street -- that is until Abramoff realized she'd be far more useful embedded in the West Wing. (Ralston had also previous worked for Abramoff and Rove's fellow College Republican crony Ralph Reed.)

Installing his top assistant as Rove's gatekeeper appeared to pay dividends. In 2003, Abramoff was hired by scandal-ridden Tyco to help the corporation secure lucrative federal contracts despite its being incorporated -- for tax-evasion purposes -- in Bermuda. According to the Washington Post, Abramoff later bragged that he'd been able to lobby Rove directly on the issue. The article targets Ralston as the only likely conduit.



...more...

good find.

four times, I believe, in the Valerie Plame affair.

She also answers to Grover Norquist, according to articles I have read. She was required to call Norquist before putting anyone through to Karl Rove. Abramoff never seemed to have any problem getting his messages through to the White House.

When Abramoff wanted Rove or the WH to do something for him, he apparently would call Ralph Reed, (this is according to the Senate Hearings and emails that were produced at those hearings) who would then call Susan or Karl. Ralph Reed seemed to have no problem getting through to Karl and was always obliging in his emails, after Abramoff contacted him about some legislation or other that he wanted to influence. Ralph in the emails I have read, never refused to pass Abramooff's messages along to Rove.

Susan Ralston is Philipino ~ Abramoff was also involved in the Marianas Islands and the sweatshop business there. Many poor Philipino women were being exploited there, and when legislation was introduced to protect these workers, Abramoff worked to block it. He succeeded. I wonder what role Susan played in helping to victimize those people?

Susan Ralston is a key figure in both the Valerie Plame affair and definitely in the Abramoff affairs. The fact that so far, all the suspects, Kidan, Abramoff and Scanlon, have pled guilty, it means that there will be no need for witnesses in any trial, yet. However, I imagine that she must be of interest to prosecutors in the various crimes of Abramoff and his cohorts.

(I have my flame-retardant suit on tonight)

Now, there's a group that needs to rethink its admission policy.